Environment, energy, ecology under threat: Mangalore varsity VC

Moodbidri, Dec 28: Environment, energy and ecology are three key parameters for sustainable development. But, unfortunately these three areas are under threat. Hence, it is high time to create awareness in the minds of public, particularly in children, policy makers and government in order to have sustainable development said, Prof Byrappa, Vice Chancellor Mangaluru University.

He was speaking after inaugurating Lake 2016: International Conference onConservation and Sustainable Management of Ecologically Sensitive Regions in Western Ghats' Organized by Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore & Alva's College Moodbidri & Alva's Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mijar, on Wednesday, at Dr V S Acharya Auditorium, Vidyagiri, Moodbidri.

Environment is polluted by various reasons. Man made and natural calamities are adversely affecting our ecological system. He added said, Urbanization has increasing the population in urban places pressurizing water and sanitation facilities, resulting in environmental pollution, health hazards. In this juncture, man has to think of alternative energy or non conventional energy roots. There is vast potential in India, the country is blessed with enormous amount sunlight, rain water and wind energy and it should be utilized properly, he noted. Solar panels are made compulsory in every house for heating and lighting purpose, he added.

In key note address, Dr T V Ramachandra, CES, IISc Bengaluru and Chairman of Lake conference said, western ghat is spread only in 2.5% of total geographical area of India, but unfortunately we fail to protect this small biosphere. He added and said, make mother earth wear with green saree and don't make her to wear skirt. Out of 5798 Crores GDP Of our country, forest contributes only 3%, and it is very negligible country like huge natural resources. He advised youth to don't make the same mistakes over generation being doing. Erroneous judgement made cauvery issue keep alive. Rejuvenating water bodies, lakes, ponds, and streams can really make difference in preserving water bodies maintaining the temperature, he said.

Shri Sonda Swarnaswamiji Mutt, Sirsi, Seer Sri Gangadharendra Saraswathi Swamiji said, encroachment of lakes area, low level of ground water and our mindset towards environment are three things reason for all the problem present in the system. Water harvesting, green vegetation, planting more plants will retain the ground water. Strong law should be enforced towards protection of environment, he added. Kappadagudda and Yettinahole project should be dropped for longer benefit of society and environment, he urged.

Presiding over the program, Alva's Education Foundation Chairman Dr Mohan Alva Said, don't cultivate anything for fashion, instead make it passion, it may hobbies or love towards environment.

Later in the session the people who served in academics, environmental and scientific fields are felicitated. Gopal Krishna Bhat, Harish Krishnamoorthy, Vishnu Mukhri, Miss Alli Rani were the honoured achievers. Technical session was held after the formal program. In first technical session, Ananth Hegde Ashisar spoke about Conservation of Western Ghats.

Johny Biosphere Session by M A Khan

“You can be the change maker” said Mr M.A Khan. Further into the interaction he educated the audience about Mother Earth and the threats she is facing in the present world. He also spoke on the responsibilities of the people of the world towards nature. He included stories, examples and experiences. “Every drop creates an ocean' Likewise the people of the earth should join hands to bring about a global wide development.

Taking over the sessions Mrs Alli Rani , Mr Vrjlal and Mr Chaturved added more and more into the interaction to make the young minds more aware .All in all the sessions were interesting , educative and entertaining which moulded them.

Sri Jain Mutt , Moodbidiri Seer Swasthi Sri Bhattaraka Charukeerthi Pandithacharyavarya Swamiji, Environmentalist Suresh Heblikar, Legislator K Abhaychandra Jain, Former President WGTF Ananth Hegde Ashisar, Vagdedvi Foundation CEO Harish Krishnamurthy, Alav's Education foundation Trustee Vivek alva, Alva's college Principal Prof Kurian, Vidyanikethan School Bengaluru CEO Vijai Rajagopalan were present among others.